The collection of papers in this special issue examines the dynamics of math and science education from one large urban school district in United States. Papers range from early to late elementary classrooms with diverse student populations in K-7 schools. This editor’s essay provides a brief overview of each of the 7 articles and the authors’ contribution to the expanding STEM research on math and science education and academic performance within the context of project-based learning. Included is a mix of action research studies conducted at 7 different elementary schools by teacher-researcher-practitioners. The papers present diverse vantage points on the circumstances that influence student motivation, student learning, and student engagement within the context of project-based learning.
This action research study examined the impact of interactive math games on engagement and achievement in a second-grade classroom at an urban Title I elementary school. Fourteen students participated in a six-week multiplication unit that integrated weekly math games alongside standard instruction. Data sources included pre- and post-tests, interest surveys, and understanding surveys. Results showed very high student engagement, moderate gains in conceptual understanding, and a positive trend in achievement scores, with most students demonstrating growth. Results suggest that game-based learning can support mathematical practices and may help address achievement gaps for students of color when thoughtfully implemented.
Project-Based Learning can deepen content understanding, promote real-world application, and foster student interest in math and science. This study examines the effect of a 6-week Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, “The Dirt on Community Gardens,” on student content knowledge and motivation in science and math. The unit addresses a lack of student knowledge by integrating life science (plant life cycles, nutrition) and math (area, perimeter, budgeting) into a real-world project. Students design and build container gardens, growing nutritionally balanced, edible plants for a live client. The project culminates in a community event to share garden solutions. By collaborating with community experts and managing a budget, students engage in problem-solving and critical thinking, which are key to developing skills necessary to become active, informed citizens. The goal is to demonstrate that real-world scenarios deepen learning.
This research explores how learning science through Project-Based Learning (PBL) can increase student engagement by influencing student interest and academic performance in the 7th-grade classroom. While elementary students often enjoy science because it is very hands-on, middle school introduces a more structured instruction, which can reduce student motivation and lead to a decrease in engagement. This study sought to understand whether Project-Based Learning (PBL) could help bridge the gap between engagement and rigor. PBL provides students with opportunities to explore authentic, real-world problems, collaborate with peers, and apply scientific concepts in meaningful contexts. Students actively construct knowledge through inquiry, experimentation, and reflection. These elements align closely with the goals of middle school science education—to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while maintaining student interest and joy in learning. The study was conducted in two 7th-grade science classrooms, one of which included a dual-language Spanish program. Students participated in science units designed around PBL principles that emphasized inquiry-based projects, collaboration, and student choice. Data were collected using pre- and post-interest surveys and pre- and post-unit assessments to measure shifts in student attitudes, engagement, and academic performance.
This action research study examined the relationship between social–emotional learning (SEL) and early mathematical achievement among transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students in a large urban Title I elementary school. National organizations emphasize that high-quality mathematics instruction for young children must consider cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social–emotional development. Guided by this framework, the study investigated whether systematic SEL instruction using the district adopted Second Step curriculum would increase students’ SEL competencies and support growth in foundational math skills measured by the Eureka Math Module 4 assessment. Using a pre- and post-test design, data were collected from eight students who received structured SEL and mathematics instruction over one semester. Results indicated consistent improvement in students’ SEL competencies, including executive functioning skills, alongside significant gains in mathematical performance. These findings align with prior research suggesting that SEL supports school readiness, adaptive learning behaviors, and academic achievement.
The purpose of this action research study was to explore how humorous science books can be purposefully integrated into elementary science instruction to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding. Participants included nineteen second-grade students, ages seven to eight. The study examined the impact of teacher-led, intentional humor embedded in science texts featuring jokes, playful language, and a narrative voice. Data were collected through pre- and post-surveys assessing students’ understanding of grade-level science concepts, as well as their interest in and enjoyment of science learning. Results indicated that students responded positively to humorous science texts and demonstrated gains in content knowledge. These results suggest that humor can serve as an effective instructional strategy and that engaging, humorous science books can be a meaningful tool in elementary science education.
